It was reported in the Steckel Park area near State Route 150 and Thomas Aquinas College around 6:30 p.m.. The winds were moving the fire toward the main part of the city, fire officials said.

The blaze eventually jumped SR-150, causing the highway's closure as it continued to eat through dry brush on both sides.

By the evening hours, at least two structures were destroyed but it was unclear if they were homes, according to Ventura County Fire officials. They did not have an exact number on how many structures may have been lost.

Footage from AIR7 HD, along with SkyMap7 technology, showed a mobile home park in Wheeler Canyon completely destroyed by the blaze.

Evacuations were issued for the college, a campground north of Santa Paula and residents in northern Santa Paula.

#ThomasFire - mandatory evacuations ordered for East Ventura, north of foothill Road. The rapid rate of spread will push this fire into that area within a few hours. pic.twitter.com/wfYwI2S8vu

All schools in Santa Paula were canceled Tuesday, as well as classes at the college.

The fire also caused power outages in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and other parts of Ventura County as well as areas in Santa Barbara County. About 180,000 residents were without power in Ventura County and more than 83,000 in Santa Barbara.

A 50-acre spot fire was spotted near Grant Park in Ventura, by Cedar and Poli streets.